President Biden Joins TikTok, Uses Platform to Connect with Young Voters
President Biden’s Announcement on TikTok
President Biden officially joined TikTok on Sunday, marking a significant move by the Biden campaign to connect with younger voters. The announcement of his arrival on the platform was made with a video captioned “lol hey guys” and a bio declaring “Grows the economy” [1].
Biden’s First Post on TikTok
In his first post, during the Super Bowl, President Biden was asked by a staffer off-screen which team he’s rooting for, to which he responded that he’s an Eagles fan [1].
Biden-Harris Team on TikTok
The TikTok account is run by Team Biden-Harris, which handles the reelection effort. The campaign advisers have stated that they will be posting regular content on TikTok, similar to other social channels where they are already active, such as Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Truth Social [1].
Reaching Voters Through Memes
Biden’s team has strategized to use memes in order to connect with young people. His TikTok avatar features a black and white photo of the president with laser eyes, a style popularized by the “Dark Brandon” meme, portraying Biden as a no-nonsense superhero deeply knowledgeable in the art of politics [1].
Impact of TikTok on Political Campaigning
TikTok has become a powerful tool for political campaigns. Creators and influencers on TikTok have actively participated in efforts to support and influence political campaigns. Their influence on political discourse has been widely recognized, and efforts have been made to leverage TikTok’s vast audience during elections [1].
Precautions and Safety Measures
In the wake of concerns regarding the safety of personal data on TikTok and its ties to a Chinese parent company, Biden’s campaign assured advanced safety measures and device security. The campaign’s TikTok presence remains independent from the ongoing review of TikTok’s parent company by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States [1].
Government’s utilization of TikTok
The White House has actively used TikTok to disseminate important information and create awareness among users. In the past, TikTok has been employed to brief creators on important matters, such as the war in Ukraine, the president’s infrastructure initiatives, and the COVID-19 pandemic [1].
Opinions from TikTok Creators
TikTok creators have viewed Biden’s presence on the platform as a significant step in engaging with younger voters. The president’s willingness to meet them on their chosen platform has been widely appreciated. However, it’s worth noting that some TikTok creators have also voiced criticism of Biden’s policies, such as those related to climate change, the war in Gaza, and his administration’s efforts to contain the pandemic [1].
Political influence of TikTok
The influence of TikTok in political campaigns has been substantial. Democrats, in particular, have recognized the impact of TikTok in reaching younger voters and have consistently used the platform as a hub for progressive activism and campaigning. Any crackdown or abandonment of TikTok as a platform has raised concerns among Democrats about the potential loss of a key voter outreach tool [1].
Continued Partnership Efforts
Biden’s reelection campaign has actively sought a director of digital partnerships to collaborate with TikTok creators and boost the Biden message to key voting blocs. These efforts highlight the importance of partnership with content creators, including those on TikTok, in expanding their reach and spreading relevant information [1].
White House’s focus on content creators
The White House now has a dedicated team focused on building partnerships with content creators. The work with creators on platforms like TikTok is considered vital in creating authentic and organic content that connects with the audience in a unique and surprising manner. The Biden administration aims to leverage the potential of content creators in expanding the presidential message [1].
Tyler Pager contributed to this report [1].
